State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced on April 25, 2006, that 377 California public elementary schools have been selected as 2006 California Distinguished Schools. Among those honored was Browns Valley School.

These schools are the best of the best. They share a vision of excellence and they have brought that vision to life, said O’Connell, who called each school principal on Monday to personally give them the good news. Hearing the excitement and the pride in their voices was incredible. These deserving school leaders and their teachers, staffs, and students have worked extremely hard to achieve academic success and this recognition.

Eligibility criteria, application evaluation and validation for the California School Recognition Program for 2006.

Qualitative Selection Criteria

School selection is based on the California School Recognition Program’s (CSRP) scientifically based research and multi-dimensional criteria that address all areas of a school's educational program, its learning environment, and the level of public confidence as demonstrated by family and community participation. The criteria represent a set of quality statements that reflect educational research and best practices, State Board of Education policies, current legislation, and the consensus of the education community regarding the common elements that should be present in exemplary elementary schools. These elements include:

• High academic expectations for all students based on California’s state-adopted standards and performance levels
• Visionary and collaborative school leadership committed to excellence and high expectations for all students
• Regular and systematic monitoring of student progress by using a variety of assessment techniques
• Strong core curriculum in all required subject areas
• State Board-adopted and standards-aligned textbooks and core curriculum materials provided to all students
• Varied teaching strategies that provide challenging learning experiences for all students
• Strong library media services and appropriate technology that supports learning activities
• Academically competent and caring teachers, and strong professional development that is aligned to standards-based instructional materials and evaluated based upon student progress
• Multiple learning support services for students who are learning the English language, who have physical or learning disabilities, and who have not yet reached proficiency
• Support for student learning through family involvement and partnerships with business and community groups
• Safe school culture that supports the inclusion of all students and promotes positive character traits, such as caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness; and proactive policies and programs that prevent bullying
• Programs that foster wellness and healthy behaviors in all students
• Well-maintained learning environment that communicates the importance of education in our society
• The selection criteria above is taken from the CDE web site.

For more information about California's Distinguished Schools, visit the California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/